Tools For Humanity
 | |
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2019 |
| Founders |
|
| Headquarters | , |
Key people |
|
| Products | World app, Orb |
Number of employees | 500 (2026)[1] |
| Website | www |
Tools for Humanity is a private technology company based in San Francisco[2] and Munich.[3] Since 2019,[2] it has been a major contributor to World,[4][5] and it also makes the Orb, a hardware device that is built to verify humanity and create a unique “digital credential” for users.[6] Tools for Humanity has raised approximately US$200 million from investors such as Blockchain Capital, Bain Capital and Andreessen Horowitz.[7]
History
[edit]Tools for Humanity was founded in 2019 in San Francisco[2] with the goal of building a global[8] "proof of human"[5] system through various connected projects, such as a new cryptocurrency and a financial network.[8] The startup was co-founded by Alex Blania, who is CEO, as well as Sam Altman,[2] who is chairman.[1]
In 2019, Tools for Humanity was the founding entity for a project called World, initially called Worldcoin, which launched its eponymous app in 2023.[2] In 2023, according to TIME magazine, "Tools for Humanity raised the possibility of using the network to redistribute the profits of AI labs that were able to automate human labor."[8] By 2024, Tools for Humanity had raised approximately $200 million from Blockchain Capital, Distributed Global, Bain Capital and Andreessen Horowitz.[7]
In January 2025, Tools for Humanity was reportedly negotiating a deal with ChatGPT Enterprise, with Blania stating the company aimed to deploy an additional 3,000 Orbs by the end of that quarter.[9] Tools for Humanity launched Orb Minis, handheld versions of the Orb that could be used in homes, in April 2025 in San Francisco.[2]
The Wall Street Journal reported in early 2026 that Tools for Humanity was partnering with brands such as Gap, Visa, and Tinder Japan to promote World ID. For example, World ID enabled a feature on the Tinder dating app to verify that users aren’t AI bots.[5] In April 2026, Tools for Humanity announced several World ID partnerships with companies such as Okta, Vercel, Shopify,[10] Tinder US, Docusign, and Zoom. With Zoom, the integration is intended to counter deepfakes in business calls.[11]
In November 2025,[9] the company faced scrutiny for its "hardcore" company culture after a Business Insider report.[12] It currently has headquarters in San Francisco and Munich, and lists 500 employees on its website.[1]
Regulatory issues
[edit]Tools for Humanity has been involved in regulatory issues over its software and hardware.[3]
Projects
[edit]
Tools for Humanity’s stated purpose is to build technology "for humans in the age of AI”, including software, hardware, open source privacy tools and protocols.[1]
- World Network - the World project involves World ID, World App, the blockchain World Chain, and the token Worldcoin.[13] The project also includes World Spaces, a series of retail outlets.[1] In December 2025, the World App developed by Tools for Humanity was significantly updated, with new features such as crypto payment capabilities and encrypted private chat.[2]
- The Orb - Built by Tools for Humanity, the iris biometric hardware is used by World[14] to create a “digital credential, called World ID, based on the unique properties of a person’s iris”.[6]
- Orb Mini - Handheld versions of the Orb that can be used in homes.[2]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 "Home", Tools for Humanity
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "World launches its 'super app,' including crypto pay and encrypted chat features", TechCrunch (Dec. 11, 2025)
- 1 2 "Iris-scan expansion on hold in Thailand", Bangkok Post (Sep. 5, 2025)
- ↑ "Sam Altman brings his eye-scanning identity verification startup to the UK". CNBC (June 8, 2025)
- 1 2 3 "Sam Altman’s ‘Human Verification’ Startup Leans on Consumer Brands", Wall Street Journal (Feb. 26, 2026)
- 1 2 "Sam Altman's Eye-Scanning Identification Tech Expands to UK (1)", Bloomberg Law (June 9, 2025)
- 1 2 "Altman's new World: Smaller name, even bigger vision", Axios (Oct. 18, 2024)
- 1 2 3 "The Orb Will See You Now". TIME (May 27, 2025)
- 1 2 "Sam Altman's eye-scanning Orb startup told workers not to care about anything outside work", Business Insider (Nov. 20, 2025)
- ↑ "Sam Altman's "proof of human" company pushes into mainstream services", Axios (Apr. 17, 2026)
- ↑ "Are you human? New tool aims to help prove you're not AI", USA Today (April 24, 2026)
- ↑ "This Sam Altman Startup Might Have the Most Brutal Work Culture in Silicon Valley", Inc. (Nov. 20, 2025)
- ↑ world.org/
- ↑ world.org/orb